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HOW TO TIP IN INDONESIA
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Tipping in Indonesia is not mandatory , but there is a mandatory government tax of 10% added to the bill in most restaurants and hotels. However, the base salary is low and service workers seek tips to provide extra income. Most hotels and restaurants will put tips in a pool and they are shared amongst the workers.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars?The Indonesian Rupia (IDR) abbreviated to Rp is the official currency in Indonesia. The airport, local banks and indoor ATMs at banks are the best places to exchange or withdraw your money. ATMs are risky in some places as they can be notorious for card scamming.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?There is a 10% service charge added to the bill in some restaurants, check your bill for this additional charge. You can always leave any extra change on top of this amount for your server. Generally adding up to 10 - 15% will be appreciated by the staff member who waited on you. Be sure to give the tip directly to your server, if it is left on the table chances are it will go into a tip jar and be shared with others.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?Many hotels include a 21% service charge, which 10% of that is government mandated tax and normally the hotel staff does not receive any of the remaining 11%. It is not required but appreciated to leave a tip for the staff such as the bellman, concierge and cleaning staff.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?There is no need to tip your taxi driver, all taxis are metered and the final cost shown is the amount you should pay. You can always round up the fare to the nearest Rp or leave the change with the driver, but this is not mandatory.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?Generally, a small gratuity is appreciated by tour guides as most guides have to share half the cost of a tour with the driver.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?In Indonesia spa`s services are popular along with other activities such as river rafting or elephant rides where tipping is greatly appreciated, 15% of the total bill is recommended but not mandatory.
Final Thoughts:Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.